Remember Me Thursday: Shining a Light on Pet Adoption Every September 26th

Every year on September 26th, the global pet adoption community comes together for Remember Me Thursday, a special day to raise awareness for millions of orphaned pets in shelters and rescues. This international movement is dedicated to shining a light on the importance of pet adoption and remembering the animals that never found a forever home.

What is Remember Me Thursday?

Launched in 2013 by the Helen Woodward Animal Center, Remember Me Thursday encourages animal lovers from around the world to help spread the message of pet adoption through social media, candle-lighting ceremonies, and community events. Participants light candles—both real and virtual—to honor the lives of pets that have passed away in shelters or rescue centers without ever being adopted.

The goal of the event is not only to remember those lost but also to inspire individuals to adopt shelter pets and to educate others about the plight of millions of animals waiting for a family.

Why Remember Me Thursday Matters

• Raising Awareness: Many people are unaware of the staggering number of animals in shelters. Remember Me Thursday highlights this reality, encouraging individuals to consider adoption and to spread awareness about the benefits of rescuing pets.
• Encouraging Pet Adoption: The movement promotes adoption over purchasing pets from breeders or pet stores. Adopting from shelters helps reduce the number of homeless pets and directly supports animal welfare.
• Honoring Shelter Pets: By lighting a candle, participants can pay tribute to animals who lost their lives waiting for a home, reminding us all of the urgency of pet adoption.

How You Can Participate in Remember Me Thursday

1. Adopt a Pet: One of the most impactful ways to support Remember Me Thursday is by adopting a pet from your local shelter or rescue. Every adoption saves lives, reduces overcrowding, and helps bring a deserving pet into a loving home.
2. Share on Social Media: Help spread the word by sharing the campaign on social platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Post a picture of your adopted pet or light a virtual candle using the hashtags #RememberMeThursday and #LightForPets to encourage others to consider adoption.
3. Donate or Volunteer: Shelters and rescues are always in need of support. Whether you offer your time by volunteering or donate money, food, or supplies, you can help make a significant impact on the lives of shelter animals.
4. Host or Join a Candle-Lighting Event: Attend or organize a candle-lighting ceremony in your community. These gatherings create a visual representation of the global support for orphaned pets and provide an opportunity to remember the animals that never found homes.

The Importance of Pet Adoption

• Saving Lives: When you adopt from a shelter, you save not only the life of the pet you adopt but also create space for another animal to be rescued.
• Fighting Overpopulation: Adoption helps combat pet overpopulation. There are millions of homeless pets in need of homes, and adopting one reduces the burden on shelters.
• A New Best Friend: Adopted pets often form incredibly strong bonds with their new owners, bringing joy, companionship, and love into their lives.

Remember Me Thursday’s Global Impact

Since its inception, Remember Me Thursday has grown into a worldwide movement, celebrated in over 190 countries. The social media campaign has reached millions of people, with pet adoption advocates, celebrities, and influencers spreading the word. Each year, the movement gains momentum, driving home the importance of adoption and ensuring the voices of shelter pets are heard.

How to Get Involved Year-Round

While Remember Me Thursday focuses on September 26th, the message of pet adoption is important every day of the year. Here’s how you can continue to support the cause:

• Advocate for Shelter Pets: Talk to your friends, family, and community about the importance of adopting animals from shelters.
• Foster a Pet: If you’re unable to adopt, consider fostering a pet. Fostering helps give animals a break from the shelter and can free up space for more animals to be rescued.
• Educate Others: Help educate others on why they should adopt, not shop. Share facts, stories, and experiences about the benefits of pet adoption.

Conclusion

Remember Me Thursday is a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in the fight against pet homelessness. By adopting, spreading awareness, and remembering the lives of those lost, we can help create a future where every pet has a chance to find a loving home.

Mark your calendars for September 26th and join the movement to shine a light on orphaned pets in need.